During the Foot and Mouth Scandal of 2001, Janet Hughes, from Montgomery, Wales, was appalled at the needless slaughter she saw in the Brecon Beacons and surrounding area, and she vowed to stop it.

Knowing she needed a "personal interest" to take the government to court, she purchased 10 Welsh Cross-Cheviot sheep from a Brecon's grazier. On 16 August 2001, Janet launched an Injunction against the National Assembly of Wales and MAFF, to stop the culling.

This action immediately stopped the culling on the Beacons.

The Court hearing was heard on the 21 August 2001, and as well as attempting to take out an Injunction, Janet also applied for a Judicial Review of government policy. A Judicial Review is an official review of government policy which will determine its legality.

Unfortunately, however, she was denied both an Injunction and a Judicial Review of the slaughter policy. However, on 27 August 2001 she lodged an Appeal against this decision, and since the court hearing of 21 August, only 120 sheep were ever culled on the entire Beacons. This cull was on the 27 August 2001 and was only a small percentage of a flock belonging to a farmer who had already signed the form giving killing authority.

However, her legal action, although unsuccessful, effectively ended the culling policy in Wales.

Dafydd Morris, from the Council of the Welsh Highland Shepherds, believes that had it not been for her, then DEFRA would have continued to slaughter throughout the Beacons and into North Wales.

On the 30 January 2002, Janet Hughes appealed in Cardiff against being denied a Judicial Review, but was unsuccessful there also.

Janet Hughes has demonstrated an astonishing degree of selflessness and social conscience.

Farmers throughout Wales have a lot to thank this woman for, and it is a national scandal that her efforts are so little known or appreciated, especially by those who ought to be thanking her.

Not surprisingly, DEFRA have never forgotten - nor forgiven - Janet for her successful efforts which stopped them in their bloody tracks.

On Tuesday 28 January 2003, DEFRA sent round the bailiffs to Janet's house, demanding £17,000 in costs for the August 2001 court case, even though they know she is unable to meet these costs.

So far, she has listed her car, and her son's toy jeep among other things for the bailiffs to take away.

As supporter Sue Burton told Sovereignty: "DEFRA sent in their Bailiffs today to list her possessions. They've terrified both Janet and her 12-year-old son Matthew. Janet fought the case to help end the killing of the Brecon Beacon sheep - it was a fight that many of us believed in, but couldn't fight - she had the courage to stand up and take on that fight. Matthew has stood beside his Mum and supported her. Tonight he's inconsolable. It's appalling that they're facing losing their possessions - as a family they've given enough towards the FMD fight. We need to help anyway we can."

see also Sovereignty's original report here and the Judicial Review Appeal report here Some tips on dealing with the Bailiffs here